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POi 004

Instructions for Proof of Service

Washington · Washington State Courts · Effective January 1, 2026

This form is used to show the court that legal papers were correctly given to another person in a protection order case. Filing this form lets the court know the other person knows about the case so the court can make decisions.

Open the official PDFfrom Washington State Courts

Where this fits in a case

Hearing

Stage: Hearing

This form is used after legal papers, like a petition for a protection order, have been given to the restrained person. It must be filed to show the court that the service was done correctly.

Either party may file.

Common questions

Who must fill out this form?
The person who actually served the legal papers, called the server, must complete this form.
What happens if I don't file this form?
If you do not file a proof of service, the court might not be able to decide the case, and the protection order might be delayed or dismissed.
Who can serve the papers?
The server must be an adult over 18 and cannot be the person who started the case.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2026.

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